On April 2, 2026, two new Area Seventies were called to the Asia Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before receiving their new callings, both had served in a variety of leadership roles within their respective areas. With this wealth of experience, they will serve in their assigned areas to help meet the growing needs of the Church.
Area Seventies are traveling ministers called to preach the gospel and serve as “especial witnesses” of Christ. They meet with and teach Church leaders, missionaries, and members of the Church in local congregations. Their authority is generally limited to the area where they serve, and they voluntarily dedicate their time and effort to serve the Church while continuing their professional careers.
Elder-Phan
Portrait of Elder Thịnh Phúc Phan from Viet Nam2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Elder Thịnh Phúc Phan, Viet Nam
Elder Phan, 41, is the first Area Seventy called from Viet Nam. He is a business owner and has served in a variety of Church leadership roles, including branch president and district president. Elder Phan married Nữ Xuân Quyên Tôn in 2011. They are the parents of two children.
Elder Phan was first introduced to the restored gospel in 2006. Despite the initial doubt, after reading the Book of Mormon, he received a spiritual witness of its truth and chose to be baptized. “I always feel a profound sense of exhilaration and am filled with joy every single week when I partake of the sacrament,” he said. “The gospel of Jesus Christ has completely transformed my life. Without it, I certainly would never have met my wife or had a family centered on the joy of the gospel.”
He attributes his spiritual growth and preparation for leadership to faithfully studying the scriptures, praying with real intent, and serving diligently in Church callings, and he hopes to magnify his new calling by developing Christlike attributes and deepening his conversion to the Savior.
He shared a scripture that guides his service “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Elder-Bushi
Portrait of Elder Peter Bushi from Thailand2026 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Elder Peter Bushi, Bangkok, Thailand
Elder Bushi, 46, is the Multi-Country Manager for FamilySearch International. He currently serves as an elders quorum teacher, ward self-reliance specialist, and an ordinance worker in the Bangkok Thailand Temple. Over the years, he has served in numerous Church leadership assignments, including bishop, counselor in a stake presidency, and was also the mission leader along with his wife, Kamalakshi, for the India Bengaluru Mission. They are the parents of three children.
Reflecting on his conversion to the gospel in 1996, Elder Bushi expressed gratitude for the influence of the missionaries who taught him and for the blessings the gospel has brought to his family.
"Today, my family and I experience joy, regardless of the circumstances in our lives and around us," he said. "That joy is rooted in our faith and the understanding of the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ."
Elder Bushi said he is committed to being a faithful disciple and a witness of Jesus Christ, testifying of His divine mission and living reality. He considers every Church calling a sacred privilege and is honored to serve wherever the Lord calls.
“The callings of Elders Phan and Bushi reflect the continued growth and strengthening of the Church across Asia,” said Elder Kelly R. Johnson, the Asia Area President. “Their experience, faith, and understanding of local communities will bless members and leaders as they serve in their respective countries.”